What are the top three on your wish list?

[Donovan]

Eisnein wrote: "01-Prince Valiant: Studio Edition

02-The Dark Knight Returns: Gallery Edition
[bookcover:Batman The Dark Knight Return..."

That's pretty cool looking. Bit of out of my reach with "museum quality" pricing however. But I'll keep it in mind for future fantasicism ; )

[XenofoneX]

Donovan wrote: "Eisnein wrote: "01-Prince Valiant: Studio Edition

02-The Dark Knight Returns: Gallery Edition
[bookcover:Batman The Da..."

Yeah, that's the only problem with these books, the price. I keep hoping they'll drop a bit. Shipping to Canada always adds another 50$, and every package from IST gets seized by customs and examined, for some odd reason. The giant box and packing peanuts throw up red flags, I guess,

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Like Donovan, the price keeps preventing me from getting those. I've been eyeing the IDW artist editions for awhile but just can't bring myself to put down the cash for them.

Maybe the packing material actually shields the contents from the scanners. What a pain.

[XenofoneX]

Blindzider wrote: "Like Donovan, the price keeps preventing me from getting those. I've been eyeing the IDW artist editions for awhile but just can't bring myself to put down the cash for them.

Maybe the packing mat..."

I think it's something like that. I like the care IST take to get books shipped without crushed corners, though.

Yeah, I love these books, but I'm picky about them. Dark Horse are doing their own giant original art facsimile of Sin City: The Hard Goodbye. At first I thought I'd have to pick it up, but... for the pricetag, I don't know. Sin City is black and white already, and the Big Damn Sin City provides an oversized format. The high-contrast reproductions in BDSC are very clean and crisp, and I don't think an Artist's Edition offers enough. I feel completely different about The Dark Knight Returns Gallery Edition; Miller's art had that busier, Sienkiewicz feel to it, thanks in part to Janson's inking style.

My top 3 wishlist for upcoming Artist's Editions: 01. Geof Darrow's Hard Boiled. 02. JH Williams III's Sandman: The Overture. 03. Frank Quitely's Flex Mentallo,We3 or JLA: Earth 2.
Also: An Artist's Edition of Sandman: Endless Nights would be spectacular -- fully-painted pages by Milo Manara, Prado, and Frank Quitely, art by P. Craig Russell, Bill Sienkiewicz... the only problem would be size; if all the artists used an identical art-board size, no problem. If not, they'd have to go with the largest format and use very large margins for the smaller original pages.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I think an Artist Edition of Hard Boiled would be amazing. A sample of Gene Ha's work in Top Ten would be on my list too.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Top 3 on my wish list are
#1 The amazing spider-man omnibus vol 1 by Stan lee
#2 The trial of Captain America omnibus
#3 a the green lantern omnibus

Also I have a question. Why are so many people excited for the Shang chi omnibus? I've never even heard of the guy lol

[XenofoneX]

Blindzider wrote: "I think an Artist Edition of Hard Boiled would be amazing. A sample of Gene Ha's work in Top Ten would be on my list too."

That's a great idea. Gene Ha is very underrated; his run on Top 10 is fantastic, and doing an Artist's Edition of Top 10: The 49ers would be perfect... it's a standalone story, about the right length, with room for extras from the regular run. It would also be a first for original art using grey-tones, diluted ink; once digital coloring is added, it looks identical to watercolors, but it's a bit faster. Those original pages of B&W tonal art would be beautiful. That's the same thing JH Williams III used for parts of 'Batwoman: Elegy', which is another awesome candidate for an Artist's Edition; he switches up 3 specific art styles in a very calculated and effective way in Elegy, making another 'Must' for an A.E. I don't think I've ever seen a story shape the development of an artist's style so profoundly as 'Promethea' did for JH Williams III; Sandman: Overture would have been completely different, as would Elegy, if he hadn't of been able to experiment as he did with Promethea.

I'd also really like to see some fully-painted original art -- a full-size 15" x 22" reproduction of Dave McKean's art on 'Batman: Arkham Asylum' would be amazing.

'Hard Boiled' is the perfect A.E. Dark Horse kind of anticipated this whole trend in the mid-90's with 'Big Damn Hard Boiled' and 'King-Size Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot', which were softcover, black and white, 12.5" x 16.5", with no word balloons or captions. I've read through those books many times, but I still want to see a full-size Artist's Edition; they've been OOP for two decades (!), so I'm surprised a Geof Darrow original art facsimile hasn't happened yet.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I have the regular version of both of those. It's been so long I really need to pull those out and read them again.

[XenofoneX]

I just did exactly that with the oversized versions. I think the European-style painted colors of the reg. ed. are spectacular as well. :)

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Top 3 on my wish list are
#1 The amazing spider-man omnibus vol 1 by Stan lee
#2 The trial of Captain America omnibus
#3 a the green lantern omnibus

Also I have a question. Why are so many people ..."

Not sure if you are aware, but in the 70's Kung Fu was introduced to the US. In the response Marvel created Shang-Chi, who naturally knew Kung Fu (but no superpowers). This was way before I started collecting and for whatever reason Marvel has decided to put those into an Omnibus (four to be exact.) I'm not sure these have ever been reprinted since the original series.

I've never read them so it's more of a curiosity thing. There is quite a bit of praise but I think that was for when it originally came out. We aren't sure if when you read those now if they still hold up.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Blindzider wrote: "Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Top 3 on my wish list are
#1 The amazing spider-man omnibus vol 1 by Stan lee
#2 The trial of Captain America omnibus
#3 a the green lantern omnibus

Also I have a question..."
O I didn't know he was so iconic. It's a pretty cool idea that he only knows Kung fu. I think I'll see what ye think of it and then maybe pick up the first one. It'd be cool to have and it's unlikely they'll be reprinted. Thanks

[XenofoneX]

Blindzider wrote: "Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Top 3 on my wish list are
#1 The amazing spider-man omnibus vol 1 by Stan lee
#2 The trial of Captain America omnibus
#3 a the green lantern omnibus

Also I have a question..."

I'm not that familiar with the title, but I've heard good things. I feel like the premise hasn't aged well. Kung Fu had a mystery to it that has been completely debunked as BS (IMO), thanks to the martial arts test-lab of MMA. The techniques that work have been separated from the ones that don't: Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, boxing, Judo, Russian Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, K-1-style kickboxing, and Karate have been proven effective; but the striking techniques need to be combined with grappling, preferably wrestling and BJJ, and vice versa. If a striker can't stop a double-leg takedown, it's a short fight. Kung fu has proven fairly useless in hand-hand combat... someone who wrestled in high school and did some amateur boxing is likely to kick a kung fu black belt's ass, dependent on the same relative size, age and athleticism.

I'm sure those are still fightin' words for some, so no offense, and please don't hurt me. :)

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I totally agree that the mysteriousness of kung fu and martial arts in general is gone. All of the world fighting styles have basically become part of our culture probably even moral than boxing ever has. The popularity of MMA is an excellent example.

I'm going to give the first book a shot. I'm more interested in the story more than the kung fu.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Blindzider wrote: "I totally agree that the mysteriousness of kung fu and martial arts in general is gone. All of the world fighting styles have basically become part of our culture probably even moral than boxing ev..."

I look forward to your review. Also...CONOR MCGREGOR!!!!!

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Blindzider wrote: "I totally agree that the mysteriousness of kung fu and martial arts in general is gone. All of the world fighting styles have basically become part of our culture probably even m..."

LOL

[XenofoneX]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Blindzider wrote: "I totally agree that the mysteriousness of kung fu and martial arts in general is gone. All of the world fighting styles have basically become part of our culture probably even m..."

Ha ha. The rematch w/Diaz will be interesting. And I'm stunned that Bisping ko'd Rockhold for the MW belt, on 3 weeks notice. Anyone who put money on Bisping is very happy, with him as a +700 dog. :)

[Fluffyroundabout]

Yeah that was a crazy fight (rigged?). As for the rematch....MCGREGOR!!!!! I should really stop doing that but I'm Irish so I'm kindve allowed :D

[XenofoneX]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Yeah that was a crazy fight (rigged?). As for the rematch....MCGREGOR!!!!! I should really stop doing that but I'm Irish so I'm kindve allowed :D"

Yep, the UN decided Irish fans can yell out 'Mcgregor!' whenever they want :). An Irish FW champ and an English MW champ... that seemed like an impossibility 3 years ago. Bisping has been fighting in the UFC for a decade now, and appeared to be past prime -- hell, Rockhold beat Bisping with ease just a year and a half ago.

More MMA stuff: (view spoiler)[But I don't think it was rigged; the UFC don't need to do it, and they hold the reins pretty tight. Maybe I'm being naïve, but I haven't seen anything to suggest it. Rockhold just took Bisping too lightly, and halfway through Round 1, started dropping his left hand, then his right hand, and leading with his chin. He honestly believed there was nothing Bisping could do to hurt him. That's why MMA is so great -- it's unpredictable, and underdog's can find a way to win much easier than they can in boxing. I love boxing, that's been my sport for decades, but MMA has gradually replaced it, for me.

Trivial trivia: Bisping was the Season 3 winner of the Ultimate Fighter, which now means that the winners of Seasons 1, 2, 3, & 4 all became uncontested UFC champions -- Forrest Griffin-S1, Rashad Evans-S2, Michael Bisping-S3 and Matt Serra-S4. The winner of Season 5? Nate Diaz. Maybe he's destined to be a champ as well. After that, nothing. The winners of the 20 seasons that followed the first 5 only include one flyweight female champ. (hide spoiler)]

Apologies to our patient mods. Sometimes conversations get switched onto different tracks, but I wouldn't want to incur the Terrible Wrath of the Elder Gods Mods. :)

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Haha. No problems at all. I'd prefer to see people conversing and interacting regardless of the topic.

This isn't a full forum site so creating multiple sections for specific discussions isn't really feasible.

Plus I think it's more about people enjoying themselves and just want to be here in the group. At least that's my two cents.

[XenofoneX]

Nice! That's a great attitude to have. :) I like it when discussion is a bit more open-ended... try to find the right spot for a comment or question, and let it go where it goes (within reason).

As you said, this isn't a forum, and I'm glad of that. Forums can get too rigid and over-regulated, in my experience; one I use in particular is always tense thanks to trolls, anti-trolling that is just as bad, and red cards or bans handed out by the Mods and Super-Mods for language or discussing topics that are 'controversial' -- not just the obvious political or religious or ethical stuff; these are mostly opinions related to products and manufacturers, often by newbs who don't know any better, and wind up banned before they know what happened, or why.

GR and groups like this: it's amazing how little trolling or arguments or general drama there is, and very cool. I've seen a few weird little scandals and blow-ups on GR, but in general, the vibe is friendly and relaxed... the way it should be. :)

[The Lion's Share]

Aye!

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Yep! My only edict from Rel was to enforce the "Be Nice" rule.

The simple love of books by everyone seems to keep everything at a nice friendly atmosphere.

[Fluffyroundabout]

#1 Uncanny x-men omnibus volume 1
#2 The trial of Captain America omnibus
#3 Avengers by kurt busiek volume 1 omnibus
Has anyone read the avengers omnibus and if so what did they think about it?

[Relstuart, Mod+]

If you are talking about the original Avengers by Lee and Kirby I've read it and it's the old style writing for sure. Not going to be everyone's cup of tea. I'd recommend trying to find some inexpensive TPB masterwork with the first issues in it to try out to see if you think you'd like it before spending the money for the omnibus. :)

[Fluffyroundabout]

Oops sorry I meant the one by kurt busiek

[Bruno]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Oops sorry I meant the one by kurt busiek"

Sorry, i bought both just because of Busiek's name but still haven't got around to read them...

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I read the beginning of the first Omnibus (back when the issues came out monthly) and I thought they were just 'ok'. Perez's art is nice and there are one or two good stories but the rest I didn't find very exciting, but again that was maybe the first 6-10 issues only. I'm not sure if it got better after that.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Bruno wrote: "Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Oops sorry I meant the one by kurt busiek"

Sorry, i bought both just because of Busiek's name but still haven't got around to read them..."

No worries man

[Fluffyroundabout]

Blindzider wrote: "I read the beginning of the first Omnibus (back when the issues came out monthly) and I thought they were just 'ok'. Perez's art is nice and there are one or two good stories but the rest I didn't ..."

Hmmm I see,the omni got 4.26 on good reads that's a pretty good score. Maybe it's slow at the start

[Fluffyroundabout]

I'm gonna make a pretty big order soon including about 3 omnibuses so I was just wondering if any of you had to recommend three omnibuses that are in print what would they be?
Thanks!

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Can you narrow down what you like? Marvel, DC independent? Specific superheroes. Classic or modern?

[Fluffyroundabout]

Blindzider wrote: "Can you narrow down what you like? Marvel, DC independent? Specific superheroes. Classic or modern?"

Well for this order I want to get marvel. So anything marvel is good

[Saugata]

I will suggest Hawkeye - Matt Fraction deluxe editions ( this way you will save good money over omnibus editio ).
Powers Omnibus Vol1 - Bendis

[The Lion's Share]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "I'm gonna make a pretty big order soon including about 3 omnibuses so I was just wondering if any of you had to recommend three omnibuses that are in print what would they be?
Thanks!"

Fantastic Four V1 & 2 by Hickman
Alias

edit* i think v1 is out of print so replace with Hawkeye.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I too recommend Hawkeye by Fraction, Fantastic Four V1 and V2 by Hickman, and also Fantastic Four V1 and V2 by Byrne.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Wow Hawkeye must be unbelievably good, I'll have to check it out. As for fantastic four the volumes 1's for both the Hickman and the Byrne runs are out of print : / Also powers does seem interesting.
Thanks guys!

[Saugata]

You can also check Punusher Max omnibus by Jason Aaron. It is an incredibly good run.

[The Lion's Share]

Fluffyroundabout wrote: "Wow Hawkeye must be unbelievably good, I'll have to check it out. As for fantastic four the volumes 1's for both the Hickman and the Byrne runs are out of print : / Also powers does seem interestin..."

Here are some more Omnibuses or you to deliberate over, that in my opinion are must reads:

Hawkeye
Alias
Planetary
Sleeper
The Inifnity Gauntlet
Invincible Compendium's

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I need to read that Punisher by Aaron as well...

I also meant to add:
Amazing Spider-Man V2 which I believe is being reprinted soon
Astonishing X-Men by Whedon (there are some OHCs that may be easier to find than the Omnibus)
Frank Miller Daredevil (which I think you already have)
Brubaker Captain America (which I know you already know about)
Uncanny X-Force by Remender
Walt Simonson's Thor (which I still don't have)

Hmm. I wonder if I need a "Best of Marvel" thread...

[Saugata]

The thread idea will be cool blinzider.
And I agree with most of your and Alistair's suggestions. The only pity is, most of them are out of print. I myself am waiting the reprint of Bendis' Alias, Whedon's Astonishing X-Men, Brubaker's Cap and Remender's Uncanny X-force run.
Hopefully , they will arrive sooner rather than later.

[The Lion's Share]

ah i thought they did a reprint of Alias??? :(

Uncanncy X-Force is incredible. I'm never selling that. Thor is great as well. Such amazing story telling by Simonson.

[Fluffyroundabout]

AGGGH So many recommendations! So many good stuff, it's a shame so much of it is oop. Punisher max by Jason Aaron sounds cool though I may go for the Gareth Ennis complete collections instead. I'm reading volume 1 of frank millers daredevil, it's hard to get through as frank doesn't actually write until near the end so I'm just trying to get to the good part. I may sell the volume I have and get the omni. I'm really interested in the uncanny x-force and I think I'll get the complete collections of it.
Thanks guys, really appreciate it!

[Saugata]

Garth Ennis had an incredible run with Punisher Max. To me, Punisher means either Ennis' or Aaron's interpretation. I am waiting for Marvel to print all the complete collection volumes of Ennis' run this year. Normally, the omnibus comes after that. Hopefully we will get an omnibus edition (or multiple deluxe editions) of this run next year, which will come out just in time for Punisher Netflix series (*fingers crossed*).

[Saugata]

And when I am going all dreamy eyed, why not an R-rated X-Force movie, which will compell Marvel to reprint Uncanny X-Force too in OHC form. After all Ryan Reynolds mentioned an X-Force movie, and he is currently poster boy of Marvel (or Sony in this case, whatever).

[Relstuart, Mod+]

Alistair wrote: "ah i thought they did a reprint of Alias??? :(

Uncanncy X-Force is incredible. I'm never selling that. Thor is great as well. Such amazing story telling by Simonson."

The reprint is out of stock now. I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see another printing with the tv show but we'll see.


As far as things in print from Marvel that are worth reading as omnibus editions,


Uncanny X-Men vol 1 by Claremont (there are three volumes so far. First two being reprinted).
Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett and Lanning (If you like GOTG in the movies this is the one to pick up).
Brubaker's Captain America Trial of Captain America and Return of the Winter Soldier omnibus volumes
Wolverine by Mark Millar
Punisher Maxx by Jason Aaron
Annihilation Conquest omnibus
New X-Men omnibus (reprint coming this fall)
Daredevil and Daredevil Companion by Frank Miller



The top (IMHO) out of print omnibus volumes worth checking out if you spot them at a reasonable price:
Infinity Gauntlet (headed out of print)
Hickman's FF4 (omnibus 1 is out of print but 2 is not)
First three Brubaker Captain America omnibus volumes
Brubaker and Bendis Daredevil omnibus volumes (two for each author)
Simonson's Thor omnibus
Thor by Straczinski
Claremont's Wolverine vol 1 omnibus
Remender's Uncanny X-Force omnibus
Annihilation Omnibus

Side note, I didn't realize Wolverine and the X-Men was out of print.

[The Lion's Share]

Agree on those.

Wolverine and the x-men was average for me. Had some good bits but not worth buying.

[Jesse]

Relstuart wrote: "Alistair wrote: "ah i thought they did a reprint of Alias??? :(

Uncanncy X-Force is incredible. I'm never selling that. Thor is great as well. Such amazing story telling by Simonson."

The reprint..."

The Straczinski Thor would be great but I think it should have added Latverian Prometheus as that's part of the story.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Jesse wrote: "Relstuart wrote: "Alistair wrote: "ah i thought they did a reprint of Alias??? :(

Uncanncy X-Force is incredible. I'm never selling that. Thor is great as well. Such amazing story telling by Simon..."

That's what kept me from buying that book, not having the ending in there, just because he didn't write it.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

All, I started the Best of Marvel thread and actually started keeping a running count in the first post of how many votes for each title. Copy and paste over there your suggestions.

Next week I'll do one for DC/Vertigo.

[Fluffyroundabout]

Relstuart wrote: "Alistair wrote: "ah i thought they did a reprint of Alias??? :(

Uncanncy X-Force is incredible. I'm never selling that. Thor is great as well. Such amazing story telling by Simonson."

The reprint..."
Perfect man thanks!